WCup vets Elliott, Boyens sign with Chivas USA

February 9, 20116:47PM EST

Adam Serrano

In the search for veterans for his young club, Chivas USA head coach
Robin Fraser has brought in a pair of World Cup veterans to aid in his
rebuilding effort. The club announced on Wednesday that it has signed
New Zealand Internationals Simon Elliott and Andrew Boyens to contracts.

After only a few days on trial with the club, the pair will be joining
the Rojiblancos on a free transfer; the rules of the agreement were not
released per league rules.

Both were on New Zealand's squad for last summer's World Cup in South
Africa. Elliott started in all three matches and Boyens was an unused
substitute.

The veterans impressed in Chivas USA's 1-0 win over
the San Jose Earthquakes on Monday. The 36-year-old Elliott played the first 35 minutes, while Boyens played the last 52 in the 105-minute scrimmage. Elliott appeared well composed in a midfield holding
role and helped the Rojiblancos dominate possession while creating
attacks forward. Similarly, Boyens performed well during his action.

The
pair will look to make an immediate impact at a youth-laden Chivas USA
squad. Midfield is one of the deepest positions for the Goats, but
after a successful performance in the scrimmage, Elliott should
challenge for a spot right away. Boyens adds a depth behind first
choice center backs, Jimmy Conrad and Michael Umana.

[inline_node:328024]Apart from
their use on the field with a combined 11 years experience in MLS as
well as playing at the highest level in the Premier League and World Cup, the pair
will be expected to teach the youth on the squad. With Chivas USA
heading into 2011 with a first-year head coach, along with a squad that
is one of the youngest in MLS, the veterans will be expected to help the
squad acclimate to the fast-paced and physical league.

Boyens spent last year with the New York Red Bulls but was
released by the club before preseason. He has spent three years in MLS
with a stop at Toronto FC prior to joining the Red Bulls.

Elliott spent
last year with Wellington Phoenix of the A-League after the World Cup. An eight-year MLS
veteran, Elliott has played for the LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew and
San Jose Earthquakes. He also spent time with EPL side Fulham
sandwiched in between MLS stints. While at the Crew, Elliott played with Fraser for two seasons.

“These signings give us depth and experience in the middle of the field,” said Fraser in a press release. “I have known Simon for a long time; he’ll be able to help us both on and off the field, and we saw in the World Cup last summer what he’s capable of. Andrew is a solid central defender with international experience who will be a good addition to our back line.”

Both will be eligible to suit up upon receipt of their international transfer certificates (ITC). Chivas USA will have only one day left in Carson before heading to Casa Grande, Ariz., for a week-long training camp.

Adam Serrano covers Chivas USA for MLSsoccer.com. He can be reached at adam.m.serrano@gmail.com and on Twitter: @adamserrano